Rental Application Question Eviction?

Question

When I was 18 my mother got evicted from our apartment, and even though my name wasn't on the lease, I was evicted. Well now I'm 23 and trying to get an apartment with some friends, I've disputed the negative points on my credit score recently and am waiting for a response, but the application says they won't take any one with an eviction record. I have a reference from my previous land lord showing that I have 2 years of solid renting status and my two friends have good credit and combined we make close to 5 times the rent. Do I stand any chance getting this place? or will I be declined because of the eviction notice? P.S. the management company from the eviction place and the current apartment are the same so can they verify I wasn't on the lease?

Answer 1

If the eviction doesn't show up as a judgement on your credit record you should be fine. If you haven't already done so, pull a copy of your credit report at http://www.annualcreditreport.com and check it out. This is the totally free credit report that you have a legal right to although it doesn't include your credit score.

Evictions can be tricky, however. Even if you're not named on the lease you CAN be named in the eviction case. Most jurisdictions require that all adults residing in the unit be named in the eviction suit. (Any adult not named generally cannot be evicted even if the order is granted.) This can result in someone whose name was not on the lease being named in the eviction action. Since you were probably a minor when the lease was signed it's entirely likely that you weren't named. If you still have copies of the eviction paperwork, check it to see if you were named.

I'd get copies of the old eviction paperwork and the old lease as proof that you were not legally obligated for the rent and were therefore an innocent victim of the eviction. Don't bring it up, but have it ready if anyone else does bring it up.

Answer 2

It doesn't hurt to try to get in, and because they may/probably know about this eviction explain that to them. It's best to be honest on this. I use written references from my best landlords.